A UNIVERSITY design student has got through to the finals of the Miss England competition after being crowned the beauty queen of Middlesex.
Emma Randall, 19, of Pavilion Way, Eastcote, used her looks and her talents to beat off the 12 other finalists, but now faces even tougher competition to win the national title.
She said: "I was looking on the internet one day and happened to see the competition advertised, and thought it would be good to do that.
"I applied and didn't think much more of it, then about two months later they contacted me and said I had got through. It was a complete shock.
"I have always wanted to do modelling but have been busy with university, so I never took it seriously. I am only 5ft 7ins and between a size eight and a 10, so I never got into it properly because I never thought I was what they would look for."
Emma, who works part time at Homebase in Victoria Road, South Ruislip, and has nine GCSEs grades A to B, is now in her first year at the University of Hertfordshire studying interior design, and has also achieved many medals for dancing.
She said: "Although I would love to do modelling you need to have a back-up plan, because it's not a career that would last a lifetime.
"I used to do a lot of dancing but I had to stop for my education. I have given up all my talents."
Emma got the chance to met the other 49 finalists two weeks ago at a photo shoot for Hello magazine
She said: "They were all very slim and tanned with long curly hair. I'm a pretty typical kind of girl, but I have short hair and I'm quite pale.
"I think the fact I look different will work to my advantage. I can look how I want and still be considered pretty. I don't have to follow the stereotype."
The Miss England Grand Final will be held on July 18 in London and the winner will then go on to represent England in the Miss World competition on October 4.
For more information about voting go to www.missengland.info
